Menoffagainorrhoea; Saturday Sighs

Before continuing the Suffolk Saga, let me remind you that Final Friday Fiction is coming upon us fast again! Prepare yourselves... now...

To complete the Friday outing, after Snape Maltings, there were some more geocaches on Aitch's list which involved churches. Needless to say, they required the Fudge's attention! First, St John the Baptist at Snape.

Each of the churches entered held its own unique presence. As much as anything, the character would come from the area around the door where they all would have a visitors book and collections box, and in some cases, pamphlets, postcards or even bric-a-brac stalls - I obtained a lovely bracelet at one and added the cost of that to my donation. This wasn't a souvenir type of holiday, but I shall have fond memories every time I wear that bracelet now!  Most churches held sufficient information to make the visit an exploration as well as simply an experience of sitting. Even the one or two which didn't have much still provided a space worth the entering.

Following Snape, it was just a short drive to Friston and the church of
St Mary the Virgin. This was a very different space than any of the others we visited on this particular series of drop-bys!

Amazing decoration and definitely more a 'Catholic' feel than any other of the Church of England (Anglican) buildings I'd experienced. It is a parish church but has something of a cathedral-like quality to it.

Anyway, that ended our Friday outing and by the time we came home, we were both a bit weary, not least from the heat. Aitch had a 'bit of a cold'. There was something more going on with me though and I wasn't really paying enough attention I realised. By the time Saturday arrived, it was obvious to me that the old Chronic Fatigue issue was making itself felt. I had to ask Aitch that we limit ourselves to something very local and short duration for the day - I just could barely get the body moving in the morning. Very disappointing for me and I know it was a bit disconcerting for my friend. That said, we did make a very lovely visit into the local 'big' town of Ipswich to view the Unitarian Meeting House. The Meeting House dates from 1700 and is also, needless to say, listed. Slap-bang in the town centre, it was buffered from the traffic frenzy by the lovely listed all-glass-sided Willis Building, a courtyard of houses dating from a similar period as the Meeting House, and also a good bit of ground.  At this place, there was the most delightful Paulette, who introduced us to some of the history and something of the philosophy of the Unitarians. In many ways a simple building, but filled with atmosphere and caring.

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

I wish to follow up, somewhat, on last week's post, where I spoke of the impression left upon me by a visit to a museum of aviation and a memorial from the time of WW2.

I spoke of quiet remembrance, daily remembrance, something we can all do at some level.

After having scheduled that post, there came on our televisions a small news article about artist Robert Heard, who is based in Somerset, England. The piece was about his incredible art project called "Shrouds of the Somme". The dedication and Love of this artist in his determination that there will be no forgetting moved me to tears. There is a short film on that link plus a 'story' page where Rob tells of his motivation. It is the 'commercial' site, where one can support the memorial process through purchases. This may seem maudlin to some, but I think it would be an honour to provide a permanent resting place...

Rob also has his own website, which has several more images and descriptions of the process he is applying. Here is a screenshot from that site. Do please take some time to visit and reflect.

In upcoming posts, I will be sharing with you the visit to Felixstowe's Landguard Fort. In that fort, there is an exhibition for the Royal Marines, showing how they developed from merely being soldiers carried by the Navy to other shores into a modern fighting force of strong repute. It brought us right up to date with images and recountings of more recent conflicts and the effect upon the soldiers. This post seems like the right place to put this photograph.

Menorise; Saturday Sayings

"Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment all you have is all you need."

(Sarah Ban Breathnach)